In preparation for a grand opening in the summer of 2007, the Grand Hotel Efes, Izmir, Turkey undergoing an estimated $60 million dollar refurbishment, and the property will reopen as an international five-star-hotel under its new name, Swissôtel Grand Efes, Izmir.
The Grand Hotel Efes first opened its doors in 1964, quickly becoming an important social gathering place and a city landmark. A centre for trade and tourism throughout ancient times, Izmir is now the third biggest city in Turkey.
The 406-room hotel is prominently located in the heart of the city’s commercial hub in a lush garden. It overlooks the Kordon (the city’s main promenade) on the Aegean Sea and is less than 15km from the international and domestic Adnan Menderes airport.
This is the fourth Swissôtel property in the country, after Istanbul, Göcek and Ankara. The property is owned Izmir Büyük Efes Otelcilik Ve Turizm and in 2002, went under contract to be managed by Swissôtel. Hotels & Resorts.
In addition to its 406 rooms, the hotel will have 92 Swiss Business Executive Rooms, which provide guests with exclusive privileges such as access to an Executive Lounge. The hotel also will feature a total of 50 suites. Dining amenities include Equinox Restaurant, City Space Bar, a Café Swiss restaurant and the Mediterranean Cybele restaurant.
The Swissôtel Grand Efes will provide an ideal MICE venue with the Grand Efes Convention Center, with the largest conference and meeting facilities in the region, located on the hotel premises. It features a floor area of 96,875 sqft, 13 meeting and boardrooms (for up to 250 people), one grand ballroom (for up to 1,250 people), 2 multi-purpose halls (for up to 1,000 people) and a 17,222sqft-large exhibition area.
For recreation and relaxation, the Swissôtel Grand Efes, Izmir offers a spacious 37,700 sqft (3,500 sqm) Amrita Spa & Wellness area. André Mühlemann, a Swiss national, has been appointed general manager of the hotel.